Gourmet brunch spreads take over the city on Easter Sunday, alongside the rampant Easter egg hunts.

This year, Easter is observed on March 31. We celebrate by dining with our loved ones and toasting to a spring season in full bloom as chefs lighten up their menus and find any excuse to top a dish with fruit. While the kids anticipate their encounter with the Easter Bunny and count their jellybeans, the adults pour another bottomless mimosa and make a beeline for the buffet. Make your reservations at these top spots for Easter brunch in San Diego.

For the view… With a wrap-around balcony on the 12th floor of a downtown high-rise, Bertrand at Mister A’s takes the cake for the most generous views of San Diego Bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma and beyond. Begin the three-course prix fixe brunch with options of classic lobster bisque, Hawaiian bread french toast and macaroni and cheese. To follow, find a wide range of dishes including Mediterranean style paella, slow braised domestic lamb shank, fresh Maryland blue crab cakes or the egg benedict with fresh crab meat. Dessert features a chocolate crème brûlée, apple tarte tatin and local farm strawberry compote. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $42.50 per adult. 619.239.1377. 2550 Fifth Ave., Downtown. bertrandatmisteras.com

For a first…The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa partakes in its first Easter holiday this year. Chandler’s Restaurant is serving up a three-course brunch featuring entree options of rosemary grilled lamb chop, grilled salmon and scallop soufflé, lobster and seafood pot pie, a three-raisin brioche and more. Finish with a lemon meringue tart or a chocolate eclair. Easter egg hunts will also take place on the main lawn of the hotel at 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with a (rumored) special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. $45 per adult; $15 per child 12 and under. 760.683.5500. 1 Ponto Rd., Carlsbad. hiltoncarlsbadoceanfront.com

For a sweet tooth… Over at the US Grant Hotel, a massive buffet awaits spring diners. The sophisticated spread shows off breakfast foods, soups and salads, fresh seafood, a “land & sea” section (with roasted New York strip with melted shallots or baked salmon enCroute with lobster mouse and choron sauce) and a Belgian waffle bar. Plus, unlimited mimosas. The highlight is the Marble Slab Creamery where guests can design an ice cream sundae. Seatings at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. $69 per adult; $60 per senior; $22 per child 12 and under. 619.744.2039. 326 Broadway, Downtown. usgrant.net

Something for everyone… Nestled at the top of Hotel La Jolla, Cusp Dining & Drinks delivers a treat for both the adults and kids. An inventive buffet will include a bacon and egg flatbread, angry crab benedict and banana chocolate stuffed French toast, along with a $12 endless mimosa option. The kiddos can play and eat at the Pancake Decoration Station and score a special Easter basket. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $25 per adult; free for kids under 10. 858.551.3620. 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla. cusprestaurant.com

For soul singing… The renowned Gospel Brunch returns to the House of Blues San Diego, right in time for Easter Sunday. Guests will be inspired by live gospel performances from Elvert Waltower & Friends while getting down with a southern inspired all-you-can-eat buffet. Enjoy made-to-order omelets, buttermilk biscuits with country gravy, chicken jambalaya, peel & eat shrimp, and then some. Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits. 10 a.m. and 1p.m. $37.50 per adult; $17.50 per child 6 to 12; free for 5 and under. 619.299.2583. 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. houseofblues.com

For bay cruising… Take your friends and family on the waters of San Diego for a memorable Easter Sunday. Hornblower Cruises & Events present a two-hour Easter Champagne Brunch Cruise that boasts free-flowing champagne and sparkling cider, a hearty brunch buffet, private reserved tables, a narrated tour of scenic San Diego and even a photo opp with the Easter Bunny. Two cruise times: 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. $60 per person. 1.888.979.7232. hornblower.com